Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, saw her comeback journey cut short in the second round on Thursday after a straight-sets loss to Karolina Muchova. Under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 52nd-ranked Czech delivered a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) victory, marking a significant moment for both players on their respective roads back to form.
Despite the early exit, Osaka expressed gratitude for the experience, highlighting the positive atmosphere and the support from the crowd. “It was really fun,” Osaka said. “I felt very grateful that there were so many people cheering. I missed it a lot.” Her return to the US Open, where she previously won titles in 2018 and 2020, was especially poignant as it followed a long break after the birth of her daughter, Shai.
Osaka’s journey back to competitive tennis has been challenging. Although she managed a significant first-round win over Jelena Ostapenko, marking her first victory over a top-10 player in four years, she has struggled to build momentum. Reflecting on her season, Osaka called it a “learning year,” noting the effort she has put into each tournament. “Australian Open was so fast, so I probably forgot that one. I enjoyed learning how to enjoy the French Open. I haven’t been to Wimbledon in years, so it was nice to go back there.”
Osaka’s form, however, has not been what it once was, with her last appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam dating back to the 2022 Australian Open. She acknowledged the difficulties of her return, stating, “I feel like I’m coming back from pregnancy, but also it wasn’t like in 2022 I was the best version of myself. So in some way I had to catch up to that, and then also I’m trying to pass it at the same time.”
The match against Muchova started with promise for Osaka. She made a strong entrance in a black, custom Nike US Open outfit, complete with ruffles, ribbons, and pearls, reminiscent of her 2018 debut at Ashe, where she famously defeated Serena Williams. However, despite a confident start, Osaka struggled to maintain her momentum. She missed an early break point and was pressured by Muchova’s consistent net play.
Muchova, who herself is on a comeback trail after wrist surgery that kept her out for nine months, showed resilience and poise. After Osaka failed to convert three set points in the second set, Muchova seized the opportunity, breaking back and eventually taking the match in a tiebreaker. “It’s a long journey,” Muchova said post-match. “I’m for sure in a different position than I was last year. I don’t even want to compare myself to last year — it was kind of a bumpy road.”
Despite the crowd’s overwhelming support for Osaka, Muchova appreciated the atmosphere and energy of the match. “The court and the atmosphere are amazing,” she remarked. “They were mostly cheering for Naomi, but that’s natural. But I just think so many people coming out and the show and everything about that — I would say it’s why I play tennis and what I like about it, the atmosphere and the energy.”
As Osaka continues her comeback, she remains optimistic and focused on the journey ahead. “It’s been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I’m doing by results. I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a little rough,” she admitted. Despite the challenges, Osaka’s gratitude and determination underscore her ongoing efforts to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
